Hotspot 2

This is an alley between Engineering 5 and Math Sciences. It is also the ground level of location 1. The alley is most frequently used by loading trucks accessing the Math Sciences, Boelter Hall, and other buildings in the area. It also serves as an access point for construction workers conducting renovation in Boelter Hall. Due to landscaping, access from public roads to the south campus often requires the use of this alley. Recently, the closure of the bus stop area right in front of the Ackerman Union due to the construction of Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference and Guest Center results in increased use of this alley as a drop-off spot.The group finds that signage in the area is insufficient. First of all, most buildings’ back doors don’t have any sign indicating the

names of the buildings. It is difficult for one who is not familiar with the location to pinpoint his or her exact position. Signs like “exit” and “security guard on duty”, as shown in the pictures, are also not well-maintained. For this particular exit sign, the direction toward safety is not obvious, since it is pointing toward two different doors seemingly leading to the inside of a building. For the “security guard on duty” sign, our group did not notice it on our first visit. It was posted on the third floor, which makes it difficult to see. The alley has a minimal amount of lights, and it also has a dark, unlit corner without any signage. It is difficult to tell where the corner leads. Construction debris left in multiple corners also provide place to hide to potential criminals. Along the back of Boelter Hall, a row of dumpsters are placed, further obstructing the view of pedestrians. The dumpsters also provide places to hide for potential assailants. However, in one of the stairwells, a mirror is placed to provide visual of the path around the corner. The alley has minimal passing individuals. The majority of those who use the alley are construction workers and members of facilities management. However, there are offices in surrounding buildings that have windows facing the alley, potentially providing informal surveillance. Since the front entrances of these buildings are usually on a higher level, it does take a while for a person to arrive at the alley from such offices. The area is also equipped with a few surveillance cameras outside stairwells. Overall, the area does not seem to encourage people to use due to safety concerns, although it does provide convenient access to the buildings surrounding the alley. Although there are a few directions for victims to escape from potential criminals, most of them are unmarked. It is also relatively easy to get trapped in a dead end due to locked doors.